Best Project Finance Lawyers in Exeter

1. About Project Finance Law in Exeter, United Kingdom

Project finance in Exeter follows the same national framework used across England and Wales. In this model, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) is created to own and operate the project, while lenders rely on the projected cash flows rather than the parent company’s balance sheet. A solicitor or legal counsel in Exeter will typically guide you through drafting facility agreements, security packages, and intercreditor arrangements tailored to the project’s risks. Local projects in the region often connect with national financing structures for energy, transport, and public infrastructure ventures.

The process usually involves multiple disciplines: corporate, construction, energy, and banking lawyers work alongside contract specialists and risk professionals. Exeter-based developers frequently engage London or regional law firms to access wide lender networks and cross-border financing know-how. A local solicitor can also coordinate with national regulators and lenders to align due diligence, approvals, and security interests. Understanding the local planning and environmental considerations remains essential for project feasibility.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

• Drafting and negotiating a multi-lender facility for a Devon solar park. You need your solicitor to structure the loan, security, and intercreditor terms so lenders share risk and protect collateral across the SPV.
• Creating an SPV and allocating risks among sponsors and lenders. A lawyer can set up the SPV, draft shareholder and subordination agreements, and ensure governance aligns with project cash flow expectations.
• Securing export credit support for a UK-to-Devon transport project. Your legal counsel will liaise with UK Export Finance (UKEF) and prepare the documents to obtain guarantees and support.
• Navigating procurement and contract regimes for a public infrastructure project in the South West. A solicitor helps with PFI/PPP structures, tender documentation, and risk allocation in the project agreements.
• Managing security and mortgage registration for project assets in Exeter. Lawyers prepare debentures, charges, and perfection steps to protect lenders’ interests in security over the SPV’s assets.
• Addressing regulatory and compliance issues post-close. You will need counsel to ensure ongoing regulatory filings, anti-money-laundering checks, and corporate governance duties are met.

3. Local Laws Overview

Project finance in Exeter is governed by national United Kingdom law, applied consistently across England and Wales. Below are 2-3 key statutes commonly invoked in project financing, with notes on recent changes or relevant context.

• Companies Act 2006. This act regulates SPVs used in project finance, setting out director duties, accounting requirements, and filing obligations. It remains the backbone for corporate governance of project entities in Exeter.
• Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 (CIGA 2020). CIGA introduced moratoriums and restructuring plans to support viable projects during financial distress. It became effective in mid 2020 and 2021 in various provisions.

  “The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 introduces new rescue mechanisms including a moratorium and a restructuring plan.”

  Source: gov.uk
• Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA). FSMA provides the regulatory framework for financial markets and financial services that underpin project finance, with ongoing post-Brexit regulatory alignment managed by the FCA and PRA. For lenders and sponsors, this governs licensing, conduct, and consumer protections relevant to financing arrangements.

Recent trends affecting Exeter projects include greater emphasis on compliant governance for SPVs, expansion of restructuring tools under CIGA 2020, and continued regulatory oversight of cross-border lending arrangements by UK authorities. For official guidance on these frameworks, see the government and regulatory sites cited in the Resources section.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is project finance in the UK?

Project finance funds a specific project via an SPV whose cash flows repay the debt. Lenders rely on project performance, not sponsor balance sheets, and rely on detailed risk allocations.

How do I start a project finance deal in Exeter?

Engage a local solicitor who coordinates with lenders, drafts the facility agreement, and builds the security package. Early planning with lenders improves negotiation leverage.

What is an SPV and why is it used?

An SPV is a separate legal entity created to own and operate the project. It isolates project risk and simplifies financing and security structures.

Do I need a solicitor or a barrister for project finance?

A solicitor typically handles transaction structuring, due diligence, and documentation. A barrister may be engaged for complex disputes or high-stakes interpretation of contracts.

How much does it cost to hire a project finance lawyer in Exeter?

Fees vary by deal size and complexity. Expect a mix of fixed fees for defined milestones and hourly rates for due diligence and negotiation tasks.

How long does a typical project finance deal take in the UK?

From initial mandate to signing, deals can take 6 to 18 months depending on project scale, lender coordination, and regulatory approvals.

Do I need to involve export credit agencies in Exeter projects?

Not every project requires export credit, but large infrastructure or exports-linked projects often use UKEF guarantees or facilities to improve financing terms.

What is the difference between a facility agreement and a loan agreement?

A facility agreement governs a group of loans, their terms, and conditions. A loan agreement covers a single loan. In project finance, multiple facilities are common.

What if the project runs into financial trouble?

Insolvency and restructuring regimes apply. CIGA 2020 provides moratoriums and restructuring plans to preserve viable projects during distress.

Can the financing be a mix of debt and equity?

Yes. Most projects use a combination of debt and equity, with lenders and sponsors sharing risks in accordance with the intercreditor and shareholder agreements.

Is Exeter subject to any local planning requirements that affect finance?

Local planning permissions and environmental consents affect project timelines and risk, so due diligence must consider Exeter and Devon planning regimes.

Should I involve a local solicitor early in the process?

Yes. Early involvement helps align contract drafting with local planning, environmental, and regulatory requirements and expedites closing.

5. Additional Resources

• - central government body guiding procurement and delivery of major projects and programmes. Function: provides guidance, assurance, and best practices for large-scale projects. gov.uk
• - supports UK exporters with finance and insurance for international projects and UK-related procurement. Function: offers guarantees and financing facilities to de-risk international aspects of projects. gov.uk
• - official company registration and filing authority. Function: registers SPVs, maintains company records, and enforces statutory filings for corporate entities. gov.uk